‘Stressed, uncomfortable, vulnerable, neglected’: a qualitative study of the psychological and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK frontline keyworkers

Abstract

ObjectivesNon-healthcare keyworkers face distinct occupational vulnerabilities that have received little consideration within broader debates about ‘essential’ work and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the impact of the pandemic on the working lives and mental health and well-being of non-healthcare keyworkers in the UK.DesignIn-depth, qualitative interviews, analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis.SettingTelephone or video call interviews, conducted in the UK between September 2020 and January 2021.Participants23 participants aged 26–61 (mean age=47.2) years employed in a range of non-healthcare keyworker occupations, including transport, retail, education, postal services, the police and fire services, waste collection, finance and religious services.ResultsKeyworkers experienced adverse psychological effects during the COVID-19 pandemic, including fears of COVID-19 exposure, contagion and subsequent transmission to others, especially their families. These concerns were often experienced in the context of multiple exposure risks, including insufficient personal protective equipment and a lack of workplace mitigation practices. Keyworkers also described multiple work-related challenges, including increased workload, a lack of public and organisational recognition and feelings of disempowerment.ConclusionsIn efforts to reduce psychosocial concerns among non-healthcare keyworkers, there is a need for appropriate support during the COVID-19 pandemic and in preparation for other infections (eg, seasonal influenza) in the future. This includes the provision of psychological and workplace measures attending to the intersections of personal vulnerability and work conditions that cause unique risks and challenges among those in frontline keyworker occupations.

Longitudinal changes in home-based arts engagement during and following the first national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK

“…24 , 25 It is possible that individuals living with children had decreasing levels of arts engagement throughout the pandemic due to burnout and difficulties in sustaining a balance between work, childcare, schooling, and other responsibilities. 20 , 21 While previous studies have shown that people living in remote areas are more likely to engage in the arts, 7 , 26 we found no associations between living area and longitudinal patterns of arts engagement. This suggests that changes over time might not vary by level of urbanicity.…”

“…This working age group may have faced challenges around childcare while working, reducing time available for leisure. 20,21 The association between household income and arts engagement may also have been altered by the pandemic. Prepandemic studies have generally demonstrated more arts engagement with increasing income.…”

“…This working age group may have faced challenges around childcare while working, reducing time available for leisure. 20 , 21 …”

‘You’re just there, alone in your room with your thoughts’: a qualitative study about the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among young people living in the UK

“…Experienced, postgraduate, male and female, qualitative health researchers conducted all interviews (AB, ARM, JD, RC, SE, TM, LB). All interviewers have previously carried out interviews about mental health and social life throughout the COVID-19 pandemic for other CSS research work 20–22. Interviews followed a semi-structured format (range: 17–65 min, average 38), with prompts used to focus on each participant’s own lived experience of the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

‘This bloody rona!’: using the digital story completion method and thematic analysis to explore the mental health impacts of COVID-19 in Australia

“…Research undertaken in various locations globally, including Australia, reveals that COVID-19 (and the unique socioeconomic impacts it has wrought) has adversely impacted the mental health and well-being of diverse cohorts of people 14–20. We used the story completion method with Australian participants coping with measures put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 to gain insights regarding the impact of the pandemic on mental health and well-being.…”